Effortlessly integrate non-Wi-Fi devices into your smart home with the Tink Basics Smart Plug. Unlike many generic options, Tink offers an easy setup without proprietary apps, utilizing the Matter standard for seamless compatibility with platforms like Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home. With a sleek design and a user-friendly QR code for pairing, this plug supports up to 3,680 watts. Priced affordably, it stands out as an economical choice for enhancing your smart home ecosystem.
Effortlessly Enhance Your Smart Home with Tink Basics Smart Plug
Smart plugs are among the simplest solutions to incorporate non-Wi-Fi devices into your smart home ecosystem. With an overwhelming variety available—especially in multipacks on platforms like Amazon—many options may appear similar at first glance.
If you’re not opting for the premium version from lighting giant Philips Hue, the range of smart plugs can feel quite generic. Numerous Chinese manufacturers frequently rebrand and reintroduce the same products in the German market, leading to confusion for consumers.
After snagging a deal on a budget plug, many users find themselves frustrated by the complex pairing process required with their respective apps. Although controlling these devices via an app isn’t essential, this step is often unavoidable for seamless integration with popular smart home platforms like Google and Amazon.
However, Tink, a Berlin-based smart home expert, aims to change that narrative with its Tink Basics line. By eliminating the need for proprietary hardware and apps, Tink provides straightforward devices like smart plugs and bulbs that integrate effortlessly into your smart home using the Matter standard. The efficacy of this approach has been evaluated using the Tink Smart Plug as a case study.
Design and User Experience
At first glance, the Tink Smart Plug resembles its many anonymous competitors: a simple plug designed for any home socket, featuring a conveniently located power button for manual operation and pairing. While the Tink model may boast a slimmer, more refined look compared to the typical offerings on Amazon, aesthetics are subjective, and this design choice does not impact its functionality.
One standout feature of the Tink Smart Plug is the Matter code, displayed as a QR code and numerical sequence on the device, which sets it apart in terms of connectivity.
Simple Setup and Operation
The Tink Smart Plug distinguishes itself from conventional Wi-Fi plugs by eliminating the need for a third-party app during the setup process. Instead, users can easily connect the plug by scanning the QR code with their smartphone camera via their preferred smart home application, whether it be Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa, resulting in a quick and hassle-free connection.
For those managing multiple smart home systems, the Tink Smart Plug allows for simultaneous pairing with different platforms, such as Alexa and Apple Home, by following straightforward instructions for activating pairing modes.
Since the Tink Smart Plug operates without a dedicated manufacturer app, its usability largely depends on your existing smart home infrastructure—be it Apple HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home. With the Matter communication standard, users can control their Tink plug through voice commands with Siri or Alexa, set routines, and more, offering a versatile experience.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
While smart plugs may not boast cutting-edge technology, the Tink Smart Plug effectively facilitates electricity flow between the wall socket and the connected device, interrupting the circuit as needed. Rated for a maximum power consumption of 3,680 watts at 250 volts, this plug can accommodate standard household devices without issue.
Importantly, users should avoid overloading the Tink Smart Plug with high-demand appliances. When used responsibly, the plug functions as reliably as a traditional wall socket.
The Tink lineup shines with its compatibility, as it integrates seamlessly with any smart home system that supports the Matter protocol. This feature enables connections with major platforms like Apple, Amazon, and Google, as well as other providers such as Bosch and IKEA.
Pricing and Availability
The Tink Basics Smart Plug is available for €19.99 individually, with a two-pack priced at €29.95, making it an economical choice. The most cost-effective option is the six-pack, which drops the unit price to between €11 and €12 per plug.
For those seeking alternatives, Tapo (TP-Link) offers a more budget-friendly option, and if compatibility with Philips Hue is crucial, Signify provides corresponding smart plugs, albeit at a higher price point.